Former Firestone Vice President McNair Dies

July 29, 2021

Former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. executive Alexander McNair has died. McNair, who worked for Firestone from 1948 to 1983, was 97 years old.

Born to Alexander J. and Agnes (O'Reilly) McNair, he enlisted in the Seebees during World War II at the age of 17 and earned a Bronze Star for his service in the Pacific Theater.

After graduating from the Burdett Business School in Boston, Mass., he joined Firestone and came to Akron, Ohio, the company's headquarters, in 1959.

He rose through Firestone's ranks, serving in a variety of roles, including comptroller for various functions and departments, such as the firm's tire sales operations.

In 1972, he was named assistant secretary of Firestone and eventually was promoted to executive vice president in the company's dealer and retail tire store operations group. McNair also was a corporate vice president for Firestone.

During his career, he spearheaded the creation of Firestone's retail credit card division.

"He retired, in part to avoid seeing Firestone headquarters moved from Akron to Chicago as Firestone CEO John Nevin was proposing in the early 1980's," according to his obituary.

Preceded by his son, Michael, and brothers, Paul and Robert, McNair is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marian; children Patricia (Robert) Downing, Kathleen (Dean) Miller and James McNair; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Burial will take place on July 31 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Summit County.

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